(Yes, cinephiles, that is indeed a “Princess Bride” reference) While Sam and the Orchestra have been occupied with the Composer Institute this week, I’ve been preoccupied with Humperdinck…well, actually, this Humperdinck. I’m always surprised how well-known Hansel and Gretel is … Continue reading →
So, a grey afternoon here in Virginia, where I finally have a few days off to gather my thoughts, learn a truckload of music, wash my concert clothes and get back on the road again – I’m in Burlington, VT … Continue reading →
I’m headed to Philadelphia for rehearsals and a concert with 20/21, the Curtis Contemporary Music Ensemble. The program next Friday includes a trio of pieces by Messiaen, one of which is “Oiseaux Exotique”, which captures Messiaen at his most birdsong-obsessed. … Continue reading →
Sorry for the sparse posting on my part; I’ve been trying to finish up some arrangements for our Scandinavian Christmas concert in December and, in the parlance of my Hawaiian roots, it is kicking my ‘okole. Arranging and composing always … Continue reading →
Those are my lovely girls, Bamse (the hairy German Shepherd in the back) and Sieglinde (my deaf mutt), doing what they do best on a chilly Virginia afternoon (chilly being a relative term – it’s a balmy-for-Minnesota 40 degrees.) While … Continue reading →
This week’s Ask An Expert question comes from Cinda Yager, who asks: Q: How far in advance of rehearsals/concert does a conductor begin preparing/studying the scores? Is most of the preparation done at the piano or on the road? This … Continue reading →
I’m finally back at work after two weeks in Pennsylvania, and this morning’s rehearsal was the first time I’d touched my viola since leaving town in a rush on the 17th. This kind of layoff is a huge deal for … Continue reading →
So, you’ll have to forgive me, as I’m totally new to the blogosphere and don’t yet have the years of experience and accumulated wisdom that Sam brings, but life is all about trying something new, right? As Sam has eloquently … Continue reading →
